Energy management system for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A module for managing power in an electrical system of a vehicle is disclosed. The module includes a first interface configured for coupling to a first power source. The first power source is configured to power a plurality of loads of the electrical system. The module also includes a second interface configured for coupling to a second power source. The second power source is configured for charging the first power source. The module also includes a device configured for disconnecting the first power source from the plurality of loads. The device is also configured for disconnecting the second power source from the first power source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The following U.S. patent applications are hereby cross-referenced andincorporated by reference: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/318,512 titled “Energy Management System For Vehicle” filed Sep. 10,2001.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an energy management system for avehicle. The present invention more specifically relates to a module formanaging the energy and power in the electrical system of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

It is generally known to provide for a system for disconnecting abattery from a load of an electrical system of a vehicle. According tosuch known system, a controller manipulates a switching mechanismbetween a closed position and an opened position. In the closed positionthe switching mechanism connects the load to the battery, and in theopened position the switching mechanism disconnects the load from thebattery. However, such known system has several disadvantages includingthat certain loads may remain connected to the battery when theswitching mechanism is manipulated to the opened position. Further, suchknown system is not readily adaptable to an electrical system of avehicle having loads of multiple voltages.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a module for managingpower in an electrical system of a vehicle. It would also beadvantageous to provide a module having short circuit protection in anelectrical system having loads of multiple voltages. It would also beadvantageous to provide a module having interfaces for assistance injump-starting a vehicle. It would be desirable to provide for an energymanagement system for a vehicle having one or more of these or otheradvantageous features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a module for managing power in anelectrical system of a vehicle. The module includes a first interfaceconfigured for coupling to a first power source. The first power sourceis configured to power a plurality of loads of the electrical system.The module also includes a second interface configured for coupling to asecond power source. The second power source is configured for chargingthe first power source. The module also includes a device configured fordisconnecting the first power source from the plurality of loads. Thedevice is also configured for disconnecting the second power source fromthe first power source.

The present invention also relates to a module for managing power in anelectrical system of a vehicle. The module includes a first means forcoupling to a first power source. The first power source is configuredto power a plurality of loads of the electrical system. The module alsoincludes a second means for coupling to a second power source. Thesecond power source is configured for charging the first power sourceand is configured for powering the plurality of loads. The module alsoincludes a device. The device includes a first means for disconnectingthe first power source from the plurality of loads. The device alsoincludes a second means for disconnecting the second power source fromthe plurality of loads and for disconnecting the second power sourcefrom the first power source.

The present invention also relates to a module for managing power in anelectrical system of a vehicle. The module includes a first interfaceconfigured for coupling a first low voltage battery to a first highvoltage battery. The module also includes a second interface configuredfor coupling a second high voltage battery to the first high voltagebattery and to a plurality of high voltage loads. The module alsoincludes a third interface configured for coupling a second low voltagebattery to a plurality of low voltage loads. The module also includes afourth interface configured for coupling the first high voltage batteryto the plurality of high voltage loads. The module also includes aDC-to-DC converter configured to accept a low current input from thefirst low voltage battery and to provide a high current output to chargethe first high voltage battery. The module also includes a switch fordisconnecting the low voltage loads from each of the first and secondlow voltage batteries and configured for disconnecting the high voltageloads from each of the first and second high voltage batteries.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an energy management system for avehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the energy management system ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of a control system having anenergy management system for a vehicle according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram of the control system of FIG. 2Aaccording to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram of a control system having anenergy management system for a vehicle according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3B is a schematic block diagram of the control system of FIG. 3Aaccording to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 3C is a schematic block diagram of the control system of FIG. 3Aaccording to an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

An energy management system 100 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B according toan exemplary embodiment. Energy management system 100 includesinterfaces 122 and 124 for mechanical and electrical connection of apower source or battery system 20 to loads of an electrical system 30 ofa vehicle. Energy management system 100 also includes a jump assistancesystem 130 having interfaces 132 and 134 for mechanical and electricalconnection to an auxiliary power source 80 such as a battery. Auxiliarypower source 80 provides for “jump assistance” or the jump-starting ofthe vehicle in the event that battery system 20 does not have sufficientcharge to start the vehicle.

Energy management system 100 also provides “short circuit” (i.e. alow-resistance connection unintentionally established between two pointsin an electric circuit) protection of battery system 20. A short circuitcould occur, for example, if a load (or loads) of electrical system 30fail and such load draws a current that is greater than a predeterminedvalue. A short circuit could also occur, for example, if auxiliary powersource 80 is connected to energy management system 100 with an incorrectpolarity (e.g. reverse polarity, negative voltage, etc.). A shortcircuit could also occur, for example, if auxiliary power source 80 isconnected to energy management system 100 with a voltage that is greateror less than a predetermined value (e.g. greater than about 42 volts).

In such situations, loads of electrical system 30 are disconnected frombattery system 20 and/or auxiliary power source 80. Disconnection ofsuch loads assists in inhibiting “arcing” of current. A systemdisconnect device or switch (shown as a hinged toggle switch 150manually operable between an “on” and “off position”) also serves todisconnect or remove battery system 20 and auxiliary power source 80from the loads of electrical system 30. Switch 150 may be opened, forexample, to allow a technician to service the vehicle, the batterysystem, the electrical system, etc.

Referring further to FIGS. 1A and 1B, energy management system 100 isshown including a container or module 110 having a base 112 attached toa cover 114 by a fastener (shown as a screw 156). Energy managementsystem 100 includes interface 122 (shown as a terminal post extendingfrom an end wall 152 a) for mechanical and electrical attachment to theterminal of a low voltage battery 22 (e.g. 12 volt, 14 volt, etc. asshown in FIG. 2B). A mounting interface shown as a terminal post 142extends from a side wall 154 of base 112. Post 142 mechanically andelectrically attaches low voltage battery 22 to low voltage loads 32 ofelectrical system 30 (see FIG. 2B).

Energy management system 100 also includes interface 124 (shown as afemale connector or socket attached to a cable or wire 148) formechanical and electrical attachment to the terminal of a high voltagebattery 24 (e.g. 24 volt, 36 volt, 42 volt, etc. as shown in FIG. 2B). Amounting interface shown as a terminal post 144 extends from side wall154 of base 112. Post 144 mechanically and electrically attaches highvoltage battery 24 to high voltage loads 34 of electrical system 30 (seeFIG. 2B).

Energy management system 100 also includes jump assistance system 130for mechanical and electrical attachment of auxiliary power source 80 toeither of low voltage battery 22 or high voltage battery 24. A mountinginterface shown as a male connector or prong 134 extends from an endwall 152 b of base 112 as shown in FIG. 1A. The vehicle can be “jumped”or started by mechanical and electrical attachment of a high voltageauxiliary power source 84 (such as a 36 volt or 42 volt battery from avehicle providing a jump start) to prong 134.

A mounting interface shown as a terminal post 132 in FIG. 1A extendsfrom end wall 152 b of base 112. Post 132 is attached to a converter(shown as a DC-to-DC converter 26 in FIG. 3B). Converter 26 includes aheat exchanger shown as “fins” or flanges 158. In general, the startingof the vehicle can be aided by mechanical and electrical attachment of alow voltage auxiliary power source 82 (such as a 12 volt or 14 voltbattery from a jump vehicle) to post 132. A mounting interface shown asa post 146 (connected to ground) is provided on end wall 152 a formechanical and electrical connection to the negative terminal of lowvoltage battery 22 when jumping the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a schematic block diagram of a control system 10having energy management system 100 for the vehicle is shown accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Battery system 20 powers loads of electricalsystem 30 of the vehicle. A battery management system 50 providescommands or outputs 74 to open and close switches 40 to selectivelyconnect and disconnect battery system 20 from the loads of electricalsystem 30. Disconnection of such loads may preserve the charge ofbattery system 20. The preservation of charge of battery system 20 canextend the useful life of battery system 20 and the duration of time thevehicle may be driven before stopping in a location to obtain service(e.g. recharging or replacing the battery system).

Certain loads of the vehicle (such as a starter 36 to crank the engineof the vehicle as shown in FIG. 3C) may be disconnected from the batterysystem 20 if battery management system 50 determines the occurrence ofan unauthorized event (e.g. unauthorized entry of the vehicle,unauthorized access to the vehicle, bypass of the battery, etc.)according to an alternative embodiment. Certain loads of the vehicle(e.g. starter) may also be disconnected if the battery management systemdetermines the impact of the vehicle likely occurred (e.g. excessvibration, deceleration, discharge of airbags, etc.) according toanother alternative embodiment.

Battery system 20 includes low voltage battery 22 for low voltage loads32 and high voltage battery 24 for high voltage loads 34 as shown inFIG. 2B. The loads of electrical system 30 include any module or deviceof the vehicle that is powered by battery system 20. The high voltageloads may include a vehicle starter, ignition, fuel pump, alternator,generator, electric steering system, electric braking system, activesuspension, heater, etc. according to any preferred or alternativeembodiment. The low voltage loads may include a lighting system, blower,fan, heating and cooling system, air conditioning system, accessory suchas radio, windshield washing system, adapter outlet, cigarette lighter,etc. according to any preferred or alternative embodiment.

Converter 26 is electrically connected to low voltage battery 22 andhigh voltage battery 24 as shown in FIG. 2B. Converter 26 can accept aninput current (e.g. from an alternator, low voltage battery, highvoltage battery, reserve or auxiliary battery, etc.) to produce anoutput current to charge low voltage battery 22 or high voltage battery24. Converter “boosts” or increases a DC current provided by low voltagebattery 22 (or low voltage auxiliary power source 82) to charge a highvoltage battery 24. Converter “bucks” or decreases a DC current providedby high voltage battery 24 (or high voltage power auxiliary source 84)to charge a low voltage battery 22. Conversion of the current may beprovided by high frequency switching action employing inductive andcapacitive filter elements. The converter is a 42 volt/14 volt 1.0 kWbidirectional DC-to-DC converter according to a particularly preferredembodiment.

Other devices 28 may charge battery system 20 and/or power the loads ofelectrical system 30 according to an alternative embodiment as shown inFIG. 2B. Such other devices 28 can include an alternator (or generator38 as shown in FIG. 3C) that provides an electric current for rechargingbattery system 20 according to any preferred or alternative embodiment.Such other devices 28 can also include a reserve or auxiliary batteryfor powering the loads in the event that the battery system does nothave a sufficient charge to power the loads according to an alternativeembodiment.

Devices or switches 40 break or open an electric circuit or otherwisedivert current from battery system 20 to the loads of electrical system30 as shown in FIG. 2A. Each load (or group of loads) of electricalsystem 30 is associated with a device or switch according to a preferredembodiment (see FIG. 3C). Battery management system 50 commands switches40 to open to disconnect certain loads from battery system 20, andcommands switches 40 to close to connect (or reconnect) certain loads tobattery system 20.

Signals or inputs 72 representative of a condition or state of batterysystem 20, electrical system 30 or auxiliary power source 80, areprovided to battery management system 50 by an information system. Theinformation system includes sensors (shown as sensors 46 a, 46 b, 46 cand 46 d in FIG. 3C) associated with energy management system 100 toprovide inputs 72 to battery management system 50 that arerepresentative of a condition of battery system 20, electrical system 30or auxiliary power source 80. The inputs representative of a conditionof the loads of the electrical system may include whether a load is “on”or “off,” the speed of the vehicle, the temperature of a component, etc.according to any preferred or alternative embodiment. The inputsrepresentative of a condition of the battery system or the auxiliarypower source may include voltage, current drawn by loads, resistance,temperature, time, period since last discharge, whether a jump-start ofthe vehicle has been attempted, etc.) according to any preferred oralternative embodiment.

Based on inputs 72, battery management system 50 provides outputs 74(e.g. state of charge, state of health and capability, deliverableenergy, deliverable power, capacity, battery condition, etc.) intendedto manage operation of battery system 20 (e.g. battery “management”).One output provided by battery management system 50 includes a commandprovided to switches 40 to disconnect certain loads of electrical system30 from battery system 20 and/or auxiliary power source 80. Anotheroutput includes the providing of information to another vehiclesubsystem (e.g. vehicle controller, communications network, etc.).Another output includes providing information to a display of a userinterface 76. The information may be displayed on a screen (such as areport) or by an indicator (such as a light or LED). The output can alsobe an audible signal according to an alternative embodiment.

Inputs 72 may also be provided to battery management system 50 by otherdevices 62 (see FIG. 2A) such as a vehicle controller 64 or controllerarea network (CAN) controller 66 (see FIG. 2B). Inputs 72 may also beprovided directly to battery management system 50 through user interface76 or otherwise acquired (e.g. RF signal) as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

As shown in FIG. 2B, inputs 72 may also be provided to batterymanagement system 50 by a network having vehicle controller 64 and CANcontroller 66. The network includes a CAN network or CANbus according toa preferred embodiment, and may include other suitable networks forproviding information about the loads such as a J1850 VPW network,ISO9141/Keyword 2000 network, etc. according to alternative embodiments.Battery management system 50 is connected to the network by aninput/output (I/O) port 162 (see FIG. 1A) for the exchange ofinformation with the network according to an alternative embodiment.

Battery management system 50 includes a controller 52 for running acontrol program 54 that is implemented by software. Control program 54may reside in a memory 56 or on hardware. Control program 54 comprisesroutines (e.g. programs, algorithms, logic, set sequence of steps,calculations, etc.) using inputs 72 to provide outputs 74.

Referring to FIG. 3A, control system 10 having energy management system100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Battery managementsystem 50 of energy management system 100 provides commands to open andcloses switches 40 to selectively connect and disconnect battery system20 and auxiliary power source 80 with electrical system 30. (Energymanagement system 100 may include battery system 20 as shown accordingto an alternative embodiment in FIG. 2B.)

Referring to FIG. 3B, control system 10 having energy management system100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Control system 10includes battery system 20 having low voltage battery 22 for low voltageloads 32 and high voltage battery for high voltage loads 34.

Energy management system 100 also includes jump assistance system 130.Referring further to FIG. 3B, jump assistance system 130 includes lowvoltage auxiliary power source 82 for low voltage loads 32 and forproviding a low current to converter 26 for charging high voltagebattery 24. Jump assistance system 130 also includes high voltageauxiliary power source 84 for high voltage loads 34 and for charginghigh voltage battery 24.

A device or switch 40 a under the control of battery management system50 disconnects low voltage auxiliary power source 82 from low voltageloads 32 in certain situations. Such situations include, for example,when battery management system 50 makes a determination that low voltageauxiliary power source 82 is connected in reverse polarity to post 132,a low voltage (e.g. less than about 0 volts) provided by low voltageauxiliary power source 82, an excessive voltage (e.g. greater than about14 volts) provided by low voltage auxiliary power source, etc.

A device or switch 40 b under control of battery management system 50disconnects low voltage loads 32 from low voltage battery 22 in certainsituations. Such situations include, for example, when batterymanagement system 50 makes a determination that one or all of lowvoltage loads 32 draw an excessive current (e.g. greater than about 70amps) from low voltage battery 22.

A device or switch 40 c under the control of battery management system50 disconnects high voltage auxiliary power source 84 from high voltageloads 34 in certain situations. Such situations include, for example,when battery management system 50 makes a determination that a reversepolarity or excessive voltage is provided by low voltage auxiliary powersource 82. A device or switch 40 d under control of battery managementsystem 50 disconnects high voltage loads 34 from high voltage battery 24in such situations. Such situations include, for example, when batterymanagement system 50 makes a determination that that one or all of thehigh voltage loads 34 draw an excessive current (e.g. greater than apredetermined current expected from proper operation of the high voltageloads) from high voltage battery 24.

Fuses or switches 40 e under control of battery management system 50and/or vehicle controller 64 associated with each of low voltage loads32 are also disconnected from low voltage battery 22 if batterymanagement system 50 makes a determination that one or all of lowvoltage loads 32 draw an excessive current from low voltage battery 22.Fuses or switches 40 f under control of battery management system 50 orvehicle controller 64 associated with each of high voltage loads 34 arealso disconnected from high voltage battery 24 if battery managementsystem 50 determines that one or all of high voltage loads 34 draws anexcessive current from high voltage battery 24. Switches 40 a through 40d may be a single device or switch operable by manual activation oftoggle switch 150 according to an alternative embodiment.

Referring further to FIG. 3C, control system 10 having energy managementsystem 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. High voltageloads 34 are shown including starter 36 and generator 38. Generator 38provides an AC current, which is converted to a DC current by aconverter (shown as an AC-to-DC converter 42) to charge high voltagebattery 24. Generator 38 and converter 42 may be under control of apower train controller 44 of the vehicle according to an alternativeembodiment as shown in FIG. 3C.

Referring further to FIG. 3C, sensor 46 a monitors a signalrepresentative of the voltage of the low voltage auxiliary power source82, and sensor 46 c monitors a signal representative of the voltage ofthe high voltage auxiliary power source 84. Sensor 46 b monitors asignal representative of the current drawn from low voltage battery 22by low voltage loads 32, and sensor 46 d monitors a signalrepresentative of the current drawn from high voltage battery 24 by highvoltage loads 34. Sensor 46 b may also monitor a signal representativeof the voltage of low voltage battery 22, and sensor 46 d may alsomonitor a signal representative of the voltage of high voltage battery24 according to any preferred or alternative embodiments. Sensors 46 athrough 46 d provide inputs 72 to battery management system 50, andbattery management system 50 provides outputs 74 to selectively open andclose switches 40 a through 40 d in response to such inputs 72.

To provide “jump aid” to the vehicle (i.e. assisting in jumping thevehicle when the auxiliary power source cannot provide sufficient powerto start the vehicle), a positive terminal of low voltage auxiliarypower source 82 is connected to post 132. A negative terminal of lowvoltage auxiliary power source 82 is connected to post 146. Sensor 46 aprovides to battery management system 50 a signal representative of thevoltage of low voltage auxiliary power source 82 (e.g. about 13.4 voltsor greater). Battery management system 50 then sends a signal to closeswitch 40 a. On closing switch 40 a, a low current is provided from lowvoltage auxiliary power source 82 to converter 26. Battery managementsystem 50 also sends a signal to close switch 40 d. A high current isprovided from converter 26 to charge high voltage battery 24, which inturn provides current to starter 36. (The power train controller mayalso provide a signal to the battery management system that the engineof the vehicle is not running according to an alternative embodiment.)

To provide jump-starting of the vehicle, high voltage auxiliary powersource 84 is connected to prong 134. Sensor 46 c provides to batterymanagement system 50 a signal representative of the voltage of highvoltage auxiliary power source 84 (e.g. about 41 volts or greater).Battery management system 50 then provides a signal to close switch 40c. On closing switch 40 c, high voltage auxiliary power source 84 isconnected to starter 36. Battery management system 50 also provides asignal to close switch 40 d to provide current from high voltageauxiliary power source 84 to charge high voltage battery 24.

During jump aid of the vehicle, the battery management system provides asignal to open certain switches to disconnect certain loads from the lowvoltage battery and the high voltage battery according to an exemplaryembodiment. Battery management system 50 provides a signal to openswitch 40 b to disconnect low voltage loads 32 from low voltage battery22. Battery management system 50 also provides a signal (e.g. to devices62 such as vehicle controller 64 and/or CAN controller 66) to openswitches 40 f to disconnect low voltage loads 32 from low voltagebattery 22. Battery management system 50 provides a signal to openswitches 40 e to disconnect certain high voltage loads 34 from highvoltage battery 24 (e.g. loads such as generator 38 that is notnecessary for starting the vehicle). During jump-starting of thevehicle, battery management system 50 provides a signal to open certainof switches 40 e to disconnect certain high voltage loads 34 from highvoltage battery 24 that are not necessary for starting the vehicleaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

If sensor 46 a indicates that low voltage auxiliary power source 82 isnot “compatible” with interface 132 (e.g. is not the appropriate ordesired voltage—such as a voltage greater or less than a predeterminedvoltage, is connected in reverse polarity, provides a negative voltage,provides an excessive voltage, etc.) then battery management system 50instructs switch 40 a to open to disconnect low voltage auxiliary powersource 82. If sensor 46 c indicates that high voltage auxiliary powersource 84 is not is not “compatible” with interface 134, then batterymanagement system 50 instructs switch 40 c to open to disconnect highvoltage auxiliary power source 84.

If sensor 46 b indicates that an auxiliary power source is attached tolow voltage battery 22, and that the auxiliary power source has avoltage that is not “compatible” with low voltage battery 22, thenbattery management system 50 instructs switch 40 b to open to disconnectlow voltage battery 22. If sensor 46 d indicates that an auxiliary powersource is attached to high voltage battery 24, and that the auxiliarypower source has a voltage that is not “compatible” with high voltagebattery 24, then battery management system 50 instructs switch 40 d toopen to disconnect high voltage battery 24.

Redundant or backup power sources may be provided for certain loads ofelectrical system 30 (e.g. electric steering, electric braking, electricthrottle, etc.), which may decrease the probability of a vehicle“no-start” condition. For example, power may be provided from onebattery (e.g. low voltage battery) to the starter if the other battery(e.g. high voltage battery) does not provide sufficient power accordingto an exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 3C).

If low voltage battery 22 becomes discharged to less than apredetermined value (e.g. a 50 percent “state of charge” i.e. an amountof electrical energy stored in a battery at a given time expressed as apercentage of the energy when fully charged—of about 12.2 volts for a 12volt battery), low voltage battery 22 may be recharged in a variety ofways. Current may be provided to low voltage battery 22 from low voltageauxiliary power source. Current may also be provided to low voltagebattery 22 from high voltage auxiliary power source 84 though converter26. Current may also be provided to low voltage battery 22 from highvoltage battery 24 through converter 26. Current may also be providedfrom a low voltage auxiliary power source directly connected to lowvoltage battery according to an alternative embodiment.

If high voltage battery 24 becomes discharged to less than apredetermined value (e.g. less than about 50 percent “state of charge”),high voltage battery 24 may also be recharged in a variety of ways.Current may be provided to high voltage battery 24 from low voltageauxiliary power source 82 through converter 26. Current may also beprovided to high voltage battery 24 from high voltage auxiliary powersource 84. Current may also be provided to high voltage battery 24 fromlow voltage battery 22 through converter 26. Current may also beprovided to high voltage battery 24 from generator 38 though converter42. Current may also be provided from a high voltage auxiliary powersource directly connected to low voltage battery according to analternative embodiment.

The battery system includes a lead-acid battery for an automobileaccording to a preferred embodiment. A suitable low voltage batteryincludes a 12 volt or 14 volt absorptive glass mat (AGM) valve regulatedlead-acid (VLRA) battery such as a 12 volt Red Top Optima batterycommercially available from Optima Batteries, Inc. of Boulder, Colo.Another suitable low voltage battery includes the 12 volt or 14 volt“non-flooded” DieHard battery commercially available from Sears, Roebuckand Co. of Hoffman Estates, Ill. A suitable high voltage batteryincludes the 36 volt or 42 volt 2.4 amp hour (AH) Inspira batterycommercially available from Johnson Controls Battery Group, Inc. ofMilwaukee, Wis. The battery system may include three 12 volt batteriesconnected in series to form a 36 volt battery pack according to analternative embodiment.

The devices or switches are “solid state” switches comprising primarilysemi-conducting materials and components, such as a metal oxidesemiconductor field effect transistor (“MOSFET”) according to apreferred embodiment. The switches may be mechanical switches or relaysthat respond to a current or voltage change to connect and disconnectthe loads from the battery system according to an alternativeembodiment. The switches may include a manually activated main or systemswitch to disconnect all loads of the electrical system from the batterysystem according to another alternative embodiment.

The battery management system may be a computing device, microprocessor,controller or programmable logic controller (PLC) for implementing acontrol program, and which provides output signals based on inputsignals provided by a sensor or that are otherwise acquired. Anysuitable computing device of any type may be included in the batterymanagement system according to alternative embodiments. For example,computing devices of a type that may include a microprocessor,microcomputer or programmable digital processor, with associatedsoftware, operating system and/or any other associated programs toimplement the control program may be employed. The controller and itsassociated control program may be implemented in hardware, software or acombination thereof, or in a central program implemented in any of avariety of forms according to alternative embodiments. A single controlsystem may regulate the controller for the battery management system andthe controller for the vehicle according to an alternative embodiment.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the energy management system for vehicle as shown in thepreferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Althoughonly a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described indetail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review thisdisclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible(e.g. variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes andproportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter recited in the claims. For example, the module iscompatible and scalable with any voltage loads and is adaptable tomultiple generator technologies and system capacities according toalternative embodiments. The module may have a size and shape forcontaining a wide array of different component shapes and sizesaccording to alternative embodiments. The module may include a number ofcompartments that may be configured in various orientations (e.g.horizontal, vertical, etc.) and positions (e.g. with respect to theengine or other vehicle systems and components) and/or configured (e.g.shaped and sized) to fit in one or multiple vehicles of different typesaccording to alternative embodiments. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent invention as defined in the appended claims. The order orsequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequencedaccording to alternative embodiments. In the claims, anymeans-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the presentinventions as expressed in the appended claims.

1. A module for managing power in an electrical system of a vehiclecomprising: a first interface configured for coupling to a first powersource, the first power source configured to power a plurality of loadsof the electrical system; a second interface configured for coupling toa second power source, the second power source configured for chargingthe first power source; a device between the first power source and theplurality of loads; wherein the device is configured for disconnectingthe first power source from the plurality of loads and the device isconfigured for disconnecting the second power source from the firstpower source.
 2. The module of claim 1 wherein the first power sourcecomprises a first battery for a first plurality of the loads.
 3. Themodule of claim 2 wherein the first power source further comprises asecond battery for a second plurality of the loads.
 4. The module ofclaim 3 wherein the first plurality of the loads comprises a pluralityof low voltage loads and the second plurality of the loads comprises aplurality of high voltage loads.
 5. The module of claim 4 wherein thefirst battery comprises a low voltage battery and second batterycomprises a high voltage battery.
 6. The module of claim 5 wherein thefirst battery comprises at least one of a 12 volt battery and a 14 voltbattery.
 7. The module of claim 6 wherein the second battery comprisesat least one of 36 volt battery and a 42 volt battery.
 8. The module ofclaim 5 wherein the second power source comprises a first auxiliarypower source and a second auxiliary power source.
 9. The module of claim8 wherein the first auxiliary power source comprises at least one of a12 volt battery and a 14 volt battery and the second auxiliary powersource comprises at least one of a 36 volt battery and a 42 voltbattery.
 10. The module of claim 5 further comprising a converterconfigured for increasing a current provided by the low voltage batteryto the high voltage battery.
 11. The module of claim 10 wherein theconverter comprises a DC-to-DC converter.
 12. The module of claim 5wherein the device comprises a switch.
 13. The module of claim 12wherein the device comprises a first set of switches configured todisconnect the first battery from the first plurality of loads andconfigured to disconnect the second battery from the second plurality ofloads.
 14. The module of claim 12 wherein the device is configured fordisconnecting the second power source from the plurality of loads. 15.The module of claim 14 wherein the device further comprises a second setof switches configured to disconnect the first auxiliary power sourcefrom the first battery and from the first plurality of loads and alsoconfigured to disconnect the second auxiliary power source from thesecond battery and from the second plurality of loads.
 16. The module ofclaim 10 further comprising a plurality of sensors configured to monitora signal representative of a condition of the at least one of the firstpower source and the second power source.
 17. The module of claim 16further comprising a battery management system configured to selectivelyopen and close the device in response to a signal provided by thesensors.
 18. The module of claim 17 wherein the battery managementsystem is configured to disconnect at least one of the first auxiliarypower source and the second auxiliary power source from the plurality ofloads if a voltage provided by at least one of the first auxiliary powersource and the second auxiliary power source is less than apredetermined value.
 19. A module for managing power in an electricalsystem of a vehicle comprising: first means for coupling to a firstpower source, the first power source configured to power a plurality ofloads of the electrical system; second means for coupling to a secondpower source, the second power source configured for charging the firstpower source and configured for powering the plurality of loads; adevice comprising: first means for disconnecting the first power sourcefrom the plurality of loads; second means for disconnecting the secondpower source from the plurality of loads and for disconnecting thesecond power source from the first power source.
 20. The module of claim19 wherein the first power source comprises a low voltage battery forlow voltage loads of the plurality of loads and a high voltage batteryfor high voltage loads of the plurality of loads.
 21. The module ofclaim 20 wherein the second power source comprises a low voltageauxiliary power source for the low voltage loads and for charging thehigh voltage battery and further comprises a high voltage auxiliarypower source for the high voltage loads.
 22. The module of claim 21wherein the first means for disconnecting comprises a first set ofswitches configured to disconnect the low voltage battery from the lowvoltage loads and also configured to disconnect the high voltage batteryfrom the high voltage loads.
 23. The module of claim 22 wherein thesecond means for disconnecting comprises a second set of switchesconfigured to disconnect the low voltage auxiliary power source from thelow voltage battery and the low voltage loads and also configured todisconnect the high voltage auxiliary power source from the high voltagebattery and the high voltage loads.
 24. A module for managing power inan electrical system of a vehicle comprising: a first interfaceconfigured for coupling a first low voltage battery to a first highvoltage battery; a second interface configured for coupling a secondhigh voltage battery to the first high voltage battery and to aplurality of high voltage loads; a third interface configured forcoupling a second low voltage battery to a plurality of low voltageloads; a fourth interface configured for coupling the first high voltagebattery to the plurality of high voltage loads; a DC-to-DC converterconfigured to accept a low current from the first low voltage batteryand to provide a high current to charge the first high voltage battery;a switch for disconnecting the low voltage loads from each of the firstand second low voltage batteries and configured for disconnecting thehigh voltage loads from each of the first and second high voltagebatteries.
 25. The module of claim 24 wherein the first interface is amounting post configured for jump assistance of the vehicle.
 26. Themodule of claim 25 wherein the second interface is a mounting postconfigured for jump-starting of the vehicle.
 27. The module of claim 26wherein the third interface is configured to power at least one of 12volt loads and 14 volt loads of the low voltage loads.
 28. The module ofclaim 27 wherein the fourth interface is configured to power at leastone of 36 volt loads and 42 volt loads of the high voltage loads. 29.The module of claim 28 further comprising a container having a base anda cover.
 30. The module of claim 28 wherein the module is configured forcoupling to a vehicle communications network
 31. The module of claim 29wherein the switch is coupled to an exterior of the container and isconfigured for manual activation.
 32. The module of claim 31 wherein theswitch is a hinged switch.
 33. The module of claim 31 wherein the switcha toggle switch.